Congratulations Salt Spring Island! We have become one of four finalists from across Canada Kraft Project Play. This is the summer version of Kraft Hockeyville and the winning community will receive $250,000 toward work on their outdoor park/play area. If we win the funds will go to improve the facilities at Portlock Park and make much needed repairs to our beloved outdoor tennis courts. Tennis has been a community sport on Salt Spring for over 100 years and involves kids from 4 to 94!

What an amazing Summer on Salt Spring Island! Business owners, local residents and visitors to the Island are all raving about what a great summer we are having. Our staff have been working hard to make sure that Salt Spring Island is as successful as is can be through the Chamber of Commerce activities, our Shop Local Program, Salt Spring Tourism and the Visitor Centre. Now it is time for a wee break! Office Hours for the first 2 weeks of August will be Tuesday through Thursday from 10-3. The Visitor Centre is open daily from 9-5. Enjoy the beautiful weather – we plan to!

Join us Saturday, August 1st at Centennial Park for the second annual “Wellness in the Park” event! Immerse yourself in wellness and learn more about your personal health and well being! This free, fun and interactive event is all designed around you! Be curious, relaxed and ask questions about the many services offered on this “healing island”. Enjoy the Salt Spring Saturday Market and then visit us at Wellness in the Park!

New for 2015 is the Salt Spring Garlic and Music Festival August 8 & 9th. Live music, great food and being on Salt Spring Island – what more can you want? The purpose of the Salt Spring Garlic and Music Festival is to promote two of the most visible of Salt Spring’s assets which are music and the commitment the island has to producing home grown organic food. We are know internationally for these qualities.

Thank you to those who attended the Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce 2015 AGM. We reviewed the past year’s activities and events, provided a financial report and conducting an election of Directors for 2015/16. A wine and cheese Member Mixer followed with fun member interaction and networking and great food provided by Country Grocer. The event took place at Lions Hall at 103 Bonnet Avenue on Salt Spring Island from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Destination BC took top honours at the 14th Annual International Tourism Film, Print and Multimedia competition, known as The Golden City Gate, at the ITB Travel Trade Show in Berlin. Nominated in the International Region category, the province’s new brand video The Wild Within won first prize. The Wild Within video was the result of months of research and development that lead to a refreshed tourism brand for British Columbia, injecting deeper meaning and emotional power into the Super, Natural British Columbia® tagline that has served the province well over the last 30 years.

The Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce is excited to be launching a new Shop Local initiative for Salt Spring Island. According to Chamber President Li Read “Shopping locally is a way to sustain our entire local economy. Spending dollars in one store allows that owner to spend dollars at his/her chosen locations, which allows other people to benefit by being hired for specific jobs. It’s a trickle down effect and it works.” Our members have the opportunity to participate in this great initiative that will support their businesses and create positive community spirit!